For a short time we lived quietly. But this could not last. White men had found gold in the mountains around the land of winding water.

Quote by Chief Joseph

Topics: Chief Joseph Quotes

I will obey every law, or submit to the penalty.

I will obey every law, or submit to the penalty.

We damaged all the big guns we could, and carried away the powder and the...

We damaged all the big guns we could, and carried away the powder and the...

I would have given my own life if I could have undone the killing of...

I would have given my own life if I could have undone the killing of...

If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live...

If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live...

I pressed my father's hand and told him I would protect his grave with my...

I pressed my father's hand and told him I would protect his grave with my...

All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers.

All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers.

If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live...

If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live...

I want the white people to understand my people.

I want the white people to understand my people.

We gathered all the stock we could find, and made an attempt to move. We...

We gathered all the stock we could find, and made an attempt to move. We...

It does not require many words to speak the truth.

It does not require many words to speak the truth.

We gave up some of our country to the white men, thinking that then we...

We gave up some of our country to the white men, thinking that then we...

Our people could not talk with these white-faced men, but they used signs which all...

Our people could not talk with these white-faced men, but they used signs which all...

My father was the first to see through the schemes of the white man.

My father was the first to see through the schemes of the white man.

An Indian respects a brave man, but he despises a coward.

An Indian respects a brave man, but he despises a coward.

I believe much trouble would be saved if we opened our hearts more.

I believe much trouble would be saved if we opened our hearts more.

I will speak with a straight tongue.

I will speak with a straight tongue.

The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights...

The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights...

I cannot tell how much my heart suffered for my people while at Leavenworth.

I cannot tell how much my heart suffered for my people while at Leavenworth.

We had a great many horses, of which we gave Lewis and Clark what they...

We had a great many horses, of which we gave Lewis and Clark what they...

When my young men began the killing, my heart was hurt.

When my young men began the killing, my heart was hurt.